1988 Ford Escort vs. 2003 Opel Astra
To start off, 2003 Opel Astra is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Astra (82 HP) has 7 more horse power than 1988 Ford Escort. (75 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Escort.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2003 Opel Astra (185 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Escort. (109 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Escort. 2003 Opel Astra has automatic transmission and 1988 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1988 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Opel Astra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Escort | 2003 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Escort | Astra |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1392 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 82 HP |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 52 L |
